Welcome to Lake Lanier
One of the most enchanting lakes in Georgia is Lake Lanier, a sprawling reservoir situated in the northern part of the state. Renowned for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, Lake Lanier spans over 38,000 acres, offering a picturesque retreat for locals and visitors alike. Nestled amid the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains, the lake provides a stunning backdrop for various water activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. Its 692 miles of shoreline are adorned with parks, marinas, and sandy beaches, making it an ideal destination for family outings and outdoor adventures.
Top 3 Facts about Georgia
01
Okefenokee Swamp
One of the largest blackwater swamps in North America, the Okefenokee Swamp, is partially located in Georgia. It is a unique ecosystem with diverse wildlife, including alligators and numerous bird species.
02
Lighthouses
Georgia is home to one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States, the Tybee Island Lighthouse, which has guided ships since 1736.
03
Coca-Cola’s Birthplace
Dr. John Stith Pemberton created the world-famous soft drink Coca-Cola in Atlanta in 1886. The first sales were made at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta.
Must See Attractions
Providence Canyon State Park
Parks & Nature
This family-friendly park is famed for its strikingly colorful and uniquely carved canyon walls, often called the “Little Grand Canyon.”
Tybee Island Lighthouse & Museum
Speciality Museums
This lighthouse stands as a historic beacon. Its towering structure overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, offering visitors a glimpse into maritime history and breathtaking panoramic views from its summit.
Amicalola Falls
Parks & Nature
Amicalola Falls, nestled in the North Georgia mountains, is a majestic waterfall that cascades 729 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in the state and a picturesque centerpiece of Amicalola Falls State Park.
Where to Sleep
Georgia Lakes to Explore
1. Lake Allatoona
34 Miles
With its 270 miles of shoreline, Lake Allatoona offers a serene escape for boating, fishing, and camping enthusiasts.
2. Lake Lanier
49 Miles
This sprawling reservoir is known for its scenic beauty, vibrant recreational opportunities, and the picturesque Lake Lanier Islands.
3. West Point Lake
65 Miles
This lake is a haven for anglers, with its bass and catfish populations, and its scenery makes it appealing for boaters and campers.
4. Lake Oconee
84 Miles
A man-made reservoir, Lake Oconee is renowned for its luxury resorts, golf courses, and pristine waters.
5. Blue Ridge Lake
100 Miles
This serene reservoir, surrounded by forests, is a tranquil retreat for kayaking, fishing, and enjoying the region’s natural beauty.
6. Lake Burton
109 Miles
This mountain reservoir is known for its clear blue waters and plenty of opportunities for fishing and water recreation.
7. Clarks Hill Lake
135 Miles
Also known as Lake Strom Thurmond, this is one of the largest reservoirs in the South. It offers plenty of fishing, boating, and camping.
8. Lake Seminole
237 Miles
This lake is a prime spot for bass fishing, birdwatching, and waterfowl hunting, thanks to its ecosystem of cypress swamps and open waters.
Annual Events and Festivals
TBA 2025
Vidalia Onion Festival
The Vidalia Onion Festival is a lively event celebrating the region’s famed Vidalia onions. Renowned for their sweet and mild flavor, Vidalia onions are a culinary delight. Attendees can enjoy live music performances, a grand parade showcasing local charm, and a carnival with thrilling rides and games. One of the highlights is the Vidalia Onion Culinary Extravaganza, where chefs demonstrate their culinary prowess using the sweet onions in creative and delicious ways.
TBA 2025
Georgia Peach Festival
The festival celebrates the state’s iconic fruit and its vital role in Georgia’s agricultural landscape. Held annually in Peach County, the festival attracts 7,000 to 10,000 visitors from near and far. Attendees can enjoy many peach-themed activities, from peach-picking and cooking demonstrations to the indulgence of delicious peach-infused treats. The festival’s highlights include the renowned Peach Parade, featuring colorful floats and community participation, as well as a lively street party filled with music, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly entertainment.
September 5 – October 27, 2024
Helen Oktoberfest
This lively celebration brings the spirit of Bavaria to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This authentic German festival captures the essence of Oktoberfest with its beer gardens, traditional Bavarian music, and atmosphere reminiscent of the famous Munich celebration. From bratwurst to pretzels and a wide array of craft and imported beers, festivalgoers will enjoy their visit. The festival also features parades, polka dancing, and activities for the whole family.
Top Hiking Trails
Raven Cliff Falls Trail
Raven Cliffs Trailhead, White County, Georgia
This trail is a captivating hiking route that unveils the natural splendor of North Georgia. Hiking through the fern-laden forest, the trail leads adventurers to Raven Cliff Falls, a majestic waterfall cascading down a towering rock face. The trail, approximately five miles long, is known for its moderate difficulty and scenic beauty. Hikers cross wooden bridges over mountain streams, ascend rocky terrain, and are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Mount Yonah Trail
283 Chambers Rd, Cleveland, Georgia
This popular hiking trail is renowned for its stunning views and challenging ascent. Approximately 4.4 miles round-trip, hikers journey through a diverse forest with a gradual incline leading to the summit of Mount Yonah. As you ascend, the trail opens up to panoramic vistas of the rolling hills and valleys below. The final stretch involves a rocky and steep climb, but the reward at the summit is unparalleled, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hike takes about 3 hours to complete.
Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls Trail
Parking West Rim Loop Trail, Rising Fawn, Georgia 30738
The Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls Trail is a picturesque exploration of waterfalls and woodlands. This moderate 2.2-mile loop trail goes through the park’s canyon floor, leading hikers to two waterfalls. The trail takes about one hour to complete. Cherokee Falls is a 60-foot cascade, while Hemlock Falls offers a more intimate and secluded experience. The trail winds along the rim of the canyon, providing overlooks of the rugged terrain and the opportunity to witness the falls from different perspectives.
Best Golf Courses
Sea Island Plantation Golf Course
100 Retreat Rd, St Simons Island, Georgia
The Sea Island Resort contains the Plantation Golf Course, a golfing paradise on the enchanting Georgia coast. Designed by Rees Jones, this 18-hole masterpiece offers a blend of coastal beauty and strategic play. The course showcases sweeping views of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, creating a visually stunning and uniquely Southern setting.
The Plantation Course is known for its meticulous conditioning, challenging layout, and coastal breezes that add an extra layer of complexity to the game. With its fairways, subtle elevation changes, and well-placed bunkers, the course offers an engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Reynolds Lake Oconee: Great Waters
112 Great Waters Dr, Eatonton, Georgia
The Reynolds Lake Oconee’s Great Waters golf course is a pinnacle of golfing excellence in the heart of the Southeast. Crafted by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, this 18-hole course showcases the intersection of strategic design and natural beauty. Great Waters is renowned for its stunning lakefront setting, featuring views of Lake Oconee on numerous holes. Nicklaus’s design incorporates challenging elevation changes, carefully placed bunkers, and undulating greens that demand precision from golfers of all skill levels. The course’s signature holes, including the par-3 8th with its iconic island green, add to the allure of the experience.
Kinderlou Forest Golf Club
4005 Bear Lake Rd, Valdosta, Georgia
Designed by Davis Love III, this 18-hole championship course is found in the woodlands of South Georgia, offering a serene escape for golf enthusiasts. The course features meticulously manicured fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens, providing a formidable yet enjoyable test for players of all skill levels. With its diverse and picturesque landscape, including lakes and foliage, Kinderlou Forest creates a captivating backdrop for a round of golf. Kinderlou is a sought-after destination for golfers seeking both challenge and serenity.
Water Sports
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
Resort
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, located along the shores of Lake Lanier in Georgia, is a tropical paradise that brings the laid-back lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett to the heart of the Peach State. Boasting of a water park, sandy beaches, and a variety of water sports, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands is a haven for those seeking sun-soaked relaxation and aquatic fun. The resort also features a Margaritaville-themed RV Resort, providing a unique camping experience with all the amenities of a luxury getaway.
Bull River Cruises
River Cruising
Embark on a maritime adventure with Bull River Cruises, exploring the coastal beauty surrounding Savannah, Georgia. Setting sail from the historic Bull River Marina, the cruises offer a unique blend of natural discovery of salt marshes, barrier islands, and wildlife. Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating narratives, sharing tales of the region’s ecology, maritime history, and abundant flora and fauna.
Paddling
Kayaking
The Altamaha River, one of the state’s major watercourses, provides a scenic kayaking journey through cypress swamps and historic landscapes. For those seeking coastal adventures, kayaking around Tybee Island and the Golden Isles offers the chance to paddle through salt marshes, observe birdlife, and even catch glimpses of playful dolphins. With numerous lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, Georgia provides kayakers of all skill levels with a rich tapestry of natural beauty and diverse ecosystems to explore.
Unique Georgia Resorts to Explore
Lanier Islands
Family-friendly, Activity
7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, Georgia 30518
Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort
Retreat, Family-friendly
4021 Lakeview Drive, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Luxury, Couples
100 Rue Charlemagne Dr, Braselton, Georgia 30517
Tips on Traveling to Georgia
Weather
Georgia experiences a variety of climates. Summers can be hot and humid, especially in the southern part of the state, while winters are generally mild. Check the weather forecast for your specific destination and time of travel.
Comfort Food
Don’t miss the opportunity to savor Southern cuisine. Enjoy classics like fried chicken, biscuits, grits, and peach cobbler. Georgia is known for its delicious comfort cuisine.
Mix History & Nature
Georgia is rich in history. Explore historic sites such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, the antebellum homes in Macon, and the historic district in Savannah. If you enjoy the outdoors, Georgia has plenty to offer. Hike in the Appalachian Mountains, visit state parks, or explore the scenic areas around lakes and rivers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Georgia
Georgia offers many vacation rental destinations, from the mountains to the beach. Some popular destinations include Atlanta, Savannah, Blue Ridge, and St. Simons Island. Each destination has unique attractions, so it’s important to choose one that suits your interests.
If you’re looking for a beach vacation rental in Georgia, you have several options. Some popular beach destinations include Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, and St. Simons Island.
Yes, there are last-minute vacation homes available in Georgia. Many vacation rental websites offer last-minute deals and discounts. Some popular websites to check for last-minute deals include Lake, Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com.
Georgia is known for its beautiful mountains and many popular mountain cabin rentals. Some popular destinations include Blue Ridge, Helen, and Ellijay. You can find mountain cabin rentals on websites like Lake, Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals, and Airbnb.
There are several options if you’re looking for a large vacation rental in Georgia that sleeps 30 or more. Some popular large vacation rental websites include VRBO, HomeAway, and Airbnb. You can also find large vacation rentals on websites such as Lake, Rent By Owner, and Booking.com.
While major cities like Atlanta have public transportation systems, a car is often the most convenient way to explore the state, especially if you want to visit more rural areas.
Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. However, each season has its unique charm.